ObjectiveTo investigate the specific CT findings of high-risk gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).
MethodsCT findings of 24 patients with high-risk GISTs from August 2009 to March 2014 proved by surgery and pathology were retrospectively reviewed.
ResultsTwelve of the high-risk GISTs were from the stomach, 11 from the small intestine (5 from duodenum, 4 from jejunum, and 2 from ileum), and 1 from the rectum. The biggest transverse diameter of the tumor was between 2.5 and 15.0 cm, and 2 were less than 5 cm and 22 of them were over 5 cm. The tumors appeared as irregular in 20 cases, and with indefinite boundary in 21 cases. Twenty-four tumors showed different levels of necrosis and cystic change, 15 showed ulcer, 2 showed perforation with effusion and pneumatosis, and 3 showed calcification. The enhancement of lesion was mostly moderately to markedly inhomogeneous. High-risk small intestinal stromal tumors had more significant enhancement and vessels. Hepatic metastasis in 3 cases was detected.
ConclusionCT features of HRGISTs can be found with certain characteristics, which may contribute to the diagnosis.
